Biochemical CO2 Conversion in Depleted Reservoirs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CCUS technologies lack efficiency and economy in recycling carbon dioxide, hindering the development of a carbon circular economy.
Innovation Solution
A method for cyclic biochemical conversion of carbon dioxide and hot gas cogeneration in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, involving the injection of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, conversion by methanogenic archaea, and exploitation of methane and heat energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional CCS technology is used for carbon dioxide storage, then carbon dioxide can be stored in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, but carbon recycling is insufficient and economic benefits are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical state of carbon dioxide from storage form to reactive form by injecting hydrogen, transforming it into a substrate for methanogenic archaea. This parameter change enables carbon recycling while producing valuable methane, simultaneously addressing both carbon loss and economic efficiency concerns
Solution Approach 2:
Methanogenic archaea serve as the intermediary that facilitates the conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen into methane. This biological mediator enables the transformation process that achieves both carbon recycling and economic value generation, resolving the contradiction between substance loss and productivity
2Loss of substance
If methanogenic archaea are injected into the reservoir, then carbon dioxide can be converted into methane, but the process requires specific temperature conditions (30-70°C) that may not naturally exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature assessment before injecting methanogenic archaea. If the reservoir temperature is above 70°C, pre-fluid injection is conducted first to cool the reservoir to the suitable range of 30-70°C, ensuring optimal conditions for archaea activity and carbon conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the reservoir through pre-fluid injection when necessary, transforming the thermal environment to match the requirements of methanogenic archaea. This parameter adjustment enables efficient carbon dioxide conversion while managing temperature constraints
3Reliability
If the reservoir temperature is above 70°C, then pre-fluid injection is required to reduce temperature, but this adds process complexity and operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary temperature assessment and only applies pre-fluid injection when the reservoir temperature exceeds 70°C. This conditional preliminary action ensures reliable archaea activity while avoiding unnecessary process complexity in reservoirs that already have suitable temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies temperature adjustment only when necessary (partial action), rather than universally to all reservoirs. This approach maintains archaea reliability where needed while minimizing added process complexity, avoiding excessive action in already suitable conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method achieves carbon recycling, rational exploitation of geothermal energy, and improves the economic viability of carbon dioxide utilization, contributing to a carbon circular economy.
Implementation Method 1
the methanogenic archaea convert the carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the target depleted oil and gas reservoir into methane
Implementation Method 2
the reservoir rock absorbs the heat generated by the biochemical conversion process
Implementation Method 3
the reservoir releases the stored thermal energy during exploitation, providing heat energy for hot gas production
Data Source
AI summary
A method for cyclic biochemical conversion of carbon dioxide and hot gas cogeneration in depleted oil and gas reservoirs includes: S1: selecting a target depleted oil and gas reservoir; S2: adjusting a temperature of the target depleted oil and gas reservoir to 30° C. to 70° C. and detecting whether formation water of the target depleted oil and gas reservoir contains methanogenic archaea, in which if no methanogenic archaeon is contained, then methanogenic archaea is injected and step S3 is proceeded, and if methanogenic archaea are contained, then step S3 is proceeded directly; S3: injecting a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen into the target depleted oil and gas reservoir through a gas injection well; and S4: shutting down the gas injection well to wait for the methanogenic archaea to convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into methane and exploiting the methane and heat energy in the target depleted oil and gas reservoir.